We were trying to convince our daughter to join us for lunch and she was hard to convince. After we ordered she was so impressed with the food. She ordered the ful, we ordered the Keren special again. She ate some of hers and then joined us with ours. We added the shiro (I believe that's the way is spelled.) - anyway, excellent!!! 5 stars again for our second visit.... read more

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I'd been meaning to try Keren's after seeing so many great reviews over the years and it did not disappoint. My friend and I split the Keren Special (it was more than enough for the two of us) and we couldn't eat it fast enough. The hardest part was deciding which part of the platter we liked best. My friend went with the lentils but I am still undecided- my favorite changed after each bite. While I really enjoyed the beef, it was a bit too spicy for my friend. That said, I think I will do the Veggie Combo next time. While the meat was great, the veggie portions of the sampler were the stars of the dish. But what really made the meal was the staff- they were fantastic! The owners were extremely nice and welcoming. I can't wait to go back! read more

Nice, casual, clean, family-friendly place. Wanted to go to another Eritrean place, a community center kind of place not listed on Yelp, but our Eritrean taxi driver steered us in this direction. Thank you!! Reunited with two long-time friends and the only available time to meet in a relaxed manner was for breakfast. So what do aging hippies do, start off with Ethiopian beer, surprisingly malty, dark deliciousness. Our breakfast: a frittata, which didn't quite look like one, it was more of a dry-ish scrambled eggs with onion, green peppers and tomato, nice; an egg fuul, a fava bean based dish, their breakfast specialty, I've had variations of it in Egyptian & mid-eastern joints was excellent; and lastly we had this small pieces of pita-like bread dipped generously in spiced butter (red pepper), addictive is all I can say. I like my food salty so I had to add some more, but other than that it all tasted real gooood! Ended it with sublime Eritrean coffee!! The service was just fine. Recommend it highly. read more

Keren is so good I almost don't want to write a review out of fear it will become more popular than it already is. My wife and I always share the Keren special with chicken and it's plenty of food. The place is a little small so you there's usually a wait at busy times but it's never that long. Technically, it's Eritrean, not Ethiopian, but I don't know the difference. It's delicious. read more

I was initially put off when I showed up with my friends and there was a line waiting to get it. I thought it was inefficiency. But I soon found out why there was a line. Before getting to the food the staff came outside to apologize for the wait and offer is water. They were so friendly and accommodating that it made the wait bearable. The food selection was a bit eclectic mixing traditional Ethiopian with steak and chicken sandwiches. I decided to try the Fish Dulet and was not disappointed. It was properly tasteful and was well seasoned along with the lentils, cabbage and salad! This is my new favorite Ethiopian restaurant. read more

I gave three stars bc Keren's was just ok. The food was good but not worth waiting so long for. We waited close to an hour to be seated, and another 40 for our food. Our server also gave us the wrong order, which was a bummer but we were so hungry and already waited so long it wasn't worth waiting for them to change it. I don't recommend coming here if you're starving, seems like the place is always busy and seating is limited. Also, since the space is small it got really noisy really fast. read more

Keren is a small Eritrean restaurant on florida/u st. Keren is great for a quick meal, whether fuul, simple salads, chicken dishes or egg sandwiches. usually filled w/ cab drivers, which only adds to its charm. the man and his wife that run the restaurant are super friendly and very welcoming/accommodating. read more

Stopped by for a delicious fuul breakfast. The onions, tomatoes, and jalapeños magnificently compliment the fuul for a delicious, yet simple breakfast. Service was slow, as one waitress was serving the entire restaurant. It is hard to find a delicious and copious DC breakfast for less than $6. Can't go wrong here. Tip: If you prefer to have your fuul with injera bread instead of a traditional white loaf, you must ask for it. read more

Food: 5/5. Huge portions, huge flavors. Cheap, interesting eats Drinks: 4/5. Tasty Ethiopian beers Experience: 5/5. The server let us wait at the bar and talked to us about the imported beers. Owner was very attentive and considerate. read more

Worth the wait, food is great! We went for the first time as we had heard this was a must try for Ethiopian food. This was my second experience with this cuisine and it blew my first time out of the water. The vegetarian dishes were my favorite, all full of flavor and the spongy bread was really good (my first time I did not enjoy the bread). We also had the tilapia which was tasty. There is usually a line and the place is packed inside but if goes pretty quick. The service is so great, they are really on their game with how much is going on in there. And this place is a steal for dinner in the city. read more

Wonderful little gem in DC. Great food, very friendly (real, not fake) service and surprisingly good sound system. The sound quality was perfect for a venue this size, you can hear the music well without being loud (playing Michael Jackson's Greatest hits). The fil was amazing. What else can you ask for a good breakfast?! read more

I ordered the fish Dulet, it's very delicious and the food is huge portion for the price! It's enough for 2 girls! read more

Keren Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Depending on the day and time you arrive you might have to stand and wait for a table, because of the size of the seating area. Once we were seated though, the service was fanominal, the food was outstanding and the atmosphere in the place was excellent. One thing that stood out most was the bread didn't taste like it was laying around for to long. The second thing was the portion served was more than enough. I ordered the tibsi with fish (I think it's called) and it was enough for two people. read more

Keren Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

We had the vegetarian plates with special request 100% teff (gluten free) injera. It was overall the best Ethiopian food we've had so far. Each vegetarian dish was carefully balanced, fresh, and wonderfully flavorful. They went well together. The portions are huge. Two can easily share a vegetarian combo plate (at least for us, some will probably want their own entrees.) The injera is much more expensive when made of 100% teff with no wheat flour added as filler. This is how it is traditionally made but due to the cost of teff, most restaurants blend it with regular wheat flour. As a result, we paid extra for the teff only version, but it was well worth it. The manager was even extra generous and didn't charge for half of the injera in our order, even after we agreed to pay for it. One other point. The manager came over when we finished all of our food but still had injera left. He asked which dishes we liked the most. After we told him, he came back with more of our favorites. So generous and unexpected! So they get a five star not just on the food, and for making 100% teff injera available, but also for excellent service and generosity. read more

This was a fantastic meal. People were so friendly and the food was amazing. As other reviews note, there is a line outside because the restaurant is small but it moves quickly. I brought my two college kids and a friend and we had a wonderful evening. Even though small and crowded you could hear each other talk. A different taste from other Ethiopian restaurants I have had, but no less delicious. read more

I love this little casual place! Every time I am in DC I make a point to make it here. Friendly community spot, great service & prices. My favorite is the breakfast ful bowl with a scrambled egg & warm crusty rolls. Hearty, satisfying meal!!! Coffee is strong and good. Never disappointing. Highly recommend if you like Ethiopian food read more

Keren Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Wonderful place, very delicious food and quite friendly staff. read more

Keren Restaurant - Combination of chicken, beef and veggie Tbsi - Ethiopian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Small and very reasonably priced cafe and Ethiopian restaurant within walking distance from the Highroad Hostel in Adams Morgan district in DC. The staff is patient (with first time orderers and indecisive because everything is delicious customers alike) and attentive. The spice is not overwhelming as to disguise other more subtle flavors. The coffee is thick and might put hair on your chest but the chai is delightful. Don't miss this eatery if you're ever in the area. read more

Keren Restaurant - Eggs with silsi, French rolls and coffee. - Ethiopian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

It's not my favorite cuisine, but it's filling and healthy besides the bread. The entrees are enough for two people.

This place deserves 5 stars for having Eritrean cuisine alone. I never thought I would get to try such an exotic African cuisine (I know my goal of eating my way through world cuisines will never be accomplished in this life, but one can try) and now I can say I have; indeed before even trying Ethiopian cuisine (and that one is way more common in the States). So, yes, for me it was special indeed. My husband, toddler and I trekked here (ok, toddler was in the stroller so not much trekking for him) after completing official business at my embassy that took way too long (*snort*) we were quite hungry by the time we arrived. It is not a very large place, but we found a table right by the door and plopped down. We received attentive service from the ladies who worked there that day. It was my first time trying injera and I'm still not sure if I love it, but am glad I got to experience the taste and texture. My toddler liked it, because it was soft and easy on the gums. I ordered a distinctly Eritrean dish and the meat it came with was really good and actually reminded me of Hungarian goulash. My husband ordered a breaded chicken cutlet and that reminded me of chicken schnitzel. Maybe exotic cuisines do not taste so different from what I grew up with after all, which makes me wonder if it's a strange coincidence or .... hmmm. Nevertheless, the ladies were sweet and brought out a special corn mixture for our son. The restaurant is named after the second largest city in Eritrea, which is surrounded by mountains on all sides. I'm sure it looks beautiful and I plan on visiting one day. Too bad Greenville does not have an Eritrean restaurant. read more

We have been to this restaurant twice. This last trip, we had to wait over 10 minutes for someone to take our order and when they did, the waitress was not very friendly. The food was cold and not very memorable. Our family has tried many Ethiopian restaurants in the past and we have tasted much better. We probably won't return. read more

If I could eat here every day, I would. I've tried most of the items on their brunch menu (and some on the dinner menu), and having done so I get the same thing almost every time: the fuul regular. Not just because it's so so cheap (which it is) but it's just so earthy and filling and delicious. For first timers I recommend getting fatta with egg slsi, which gives you a nice survey of the food (and is also ridiculously delicious!) Sometimes you have to be patient for the coffee because it takes some time to brew, but it's definitely worth it! read more

One of my favorite spots in DC. I often get their Ful which is delicious, nutritious, and a great deal. Warm friendly smiles from the staff abound. If you have the time, get the special coffee. They don't do it everyday because it takes 30-40 minutes to prepare but well worth it! Green coffee beans are roasted on the spot then the coffee is brewed and served in a clay pot. Plenty to share with your neighbors. read more

Keren Restaurant - Coffee at Keren. - Ethiopian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Heard some good things about this place and even has some very good reviews but confused because I couldn't compare. I mean the server was nice but their set up for seating is not so well thought. They sat me next to the bathroom and with every swing of the door it was painful. When I asked to have my seat changed I was told that they couldn't accommodate as it was busy which I kind of understood. My friend an I ordered 2 steak sandwiches and I asked for mines medium rare, it took about 20-25 mins to arrive and then the waitress got ours mixed up. I already had lost my appetite due to the bathroom smell but i didn't want to be rude and mention that she has gotten it mixed up instead we just traded. We took two bites pod for the check and left. I'm not saying don't go there, I'm saying if you do try to sit toward the front. Happy Yelping! read more

This place is great! Came for lunch since I had a few hours before my flight home based on the great reviews, and I was not disappointed at all. Would definitely come back next time I'm in town. And to top everything off, they give you a ton of food at very reasonable prices. read more

Service here is great. Environment leaves a lot to be desired to say the least, could use a bit of a renovation. Food taste is good. Food value is below average. $17+ (with tax and tip) for the veggie sampler and chicken #4. I take no issue with the food, it's good but I don't think it's a game changer. Amazing Ethiopian place where I'm from that perhaps has elevated my expectations on this one. read more

The best food ever ...so yummy ...specially....keren special...chicken ..veggie combo ...was amazing....definitely I will go back again...

Yum, yum, yum yum yum. Small place with big flavor. A bit slow to prepare food since it's a small shop, but soooo worth the wait. A must go when in DC. read more

Loved this place! Very clean inside! Food was delicious and fresh! Very nice people working made great recommendations. Very inexpensive, we really enjoyed everything read more

Keren Restaurant - Ethiopian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

I am not a fan of Ethiopian food. So when my friend suggested we go to an Eritrean restaurant (similar cuisine to Ethiopian), I wasn't too excited about it but decided to go because maybe, just maybe Eritrean food would be different. And it was! Keren has fully bounced back from the nasty car crash accident a couple of years ago it seems. I usually skip any platter with injera (although I hear it's pretty good) in favor of the fuul, a spicy and yummy chickpea mix that's a traditional breakfast food in Eritrea and one of the platters. I highly recommend the fuul and ordering the spicy tea. While watching the random Eritrean shows playing on the TV above. So Eritrean, so fantastic. This is a great, off the beaten path place to take an out of town friend who likes Ethiopian food, by the way. They'll appreciate the reasonable prices, you'll appreciate being the cool host, and both of you will appreciate the warm service and generous portions of tasty food. read more

Not a huge menu, but everything I have had here is very good and extremely cheap! Best deal I have found in DC

Amazing. I would totally move to DC just to make this my weekly spot. The food was absolutely delicious and the staff was extremely welcoming and friendly. This alone was a highlight being in DC. read more

This was one of the best restaurant experiences I've had in DC. The food is delicious (we had ful with eggs and salad, really flavorful and a little spicy and filling but not unhealthy-feeling). The prices are really good and I couldn't finish my plate (really wanted to but so full.) But seriously, the best service I have ever had. The owners serve you and are really helpful in explaining what things are and are just really warm and friendly. Makes me want to come back every day. I actually feel like I am working against myself on this because Keren has just vaulted itself to the top of my "hidden gem" list -- perfect hole-in-the-wall, good food, good prices, fantastic atmosphere that makes you feel like you're part of a family -- I love this place. Will be going back. Possibly later today. read more

This was amazing. Wow! $10 veggie combo with either chicken or beef is enough for two. My wife and I came here and ordered one each, and looked like serious gluttons! Still, we had plenty of veggies and injera to go for the next day before our flight. Can't complain. The people that run Keren are awesome. We chatted with them about DC, about their food, and about where we're from while we ate. The whole thing felt very kitchen table, but with out-of-this-world food. Very cool neighborhood. Glad we got off the metro's path far enough to see this awesome slice of the town! Thanks for the great date night! read more

It pains me to write this review. I came here with two friends and we initially thought the food was good. The food was actually tasty and the service was fine. We all ordered the vegetarian combo with Tibsi (chicken and beef) and we all ended up with digestive issues. So much for the health score. I'm definitely never going back! read more

This place is delicious! Great to go with friends and share a dish, reasonably priced, and cozy atmosphere. Incredibly friendly staff too!

What a delicious gem. I have been going to Keren since not long after they opened, and the food, the ambience, and service have only improved over time. Our usual standby is the assorted veggie platter, with an order of their totally unreal beef tibsi if there are meat eaters among us. Each stew is rich and distinct, with incredibly complex layers of flavor. Cabbage, potato, greens, yellow and red lentils, OMFG. The smoky, spicy chile paste that is used as a base in some of the hot red stews--it's called awaze (ah-wah-zuh)--is so mouthwateringly umamilicious, I ask for extra and often take some home. The injera is spongy, light, flawless. The fuul dishes (fava) make for a great breakfast or lunch standby. I can't say enough about how incredibly sweet and warm proprietor/chef Lem Lem and the staff are. This is my favorite East African place in DC. Go, go, go. Wear your eatin' pants, portions are generous. read more

I don't write yelp reviews often, but when I run into that neighborhood place that's serving something so good, so unique, and so much better than any of the other food options in the area, I feel obligated to say something. This is one of those times. In summation, Keren is an un-apologetic hole in the wall that serves one of the best breakfast (or lunch) dishes in DC. The Ful is incredible, a real game changer. At Keren, $6.50 gets you a giant sized helping. The other reviewers do a great job of describing what it is, so I won't waste your time doing it here. Complimenting the main attraction (absolutely brilliantly) are two fresh and hot crusty "little" baguettes that aren't really that little. As Anthony Bourdain said in the Egypt episode of No Reservations, "The ful is basically something to scoop with or soak bread in... A lot of bread, a little ful." I don't know what else to say, except you gotta try it. read more

Went for breakfast here for the first time today... it was great! ...the food is really good and very reasonably priced. I'll definitely be going there again. The restaurant is relatively small and it was a bit packed. Service could have been a bit better but the ladies were all very nice. If anything, maybe they just need an extra hand because they were running all over the place. Bottom line- great prices, great food... will definitely be back. read more

Delicious Ethiopian food, actually Eritrean, but same food I hear. My son said it made his nose hairs tingle with delight. I don't know what that means but he looks very happy. Gluten free enjera available on request. Yum! One note though, very humble setting, delicious food but not a fancy place. Good prices too. read more

Keren Restaurant - Enjera with veggies and chicken - Ethiopian Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia